HAMEREX from West Yorkshire to play in the best sense of British metal. The label is not entirely wrong when it claims that songs from “Rites of Passage” could easily stand on a Neat Records compilation. The somewhat quirky heavy metal reminiscent of HAMEREX both in terms of production as well as the unpretentious songwriting of bands such as tank, Griffin or Heavy Load. Here and there a Maiden lead may not be missing, but rather are references in the second and third row of the NWOBHM to locate. That it here and there by surprise, is not a shortcoming, but also contributes to the charm of this publication. With ‘The Lycan’ is the fifth of “Rites of Passage” even a real hit, inspired by his design grip and the rousing chorus.Then follows the epic title track, after which it flattens out a bit though. Nevertheless, “Rites of Passage” is a hot tip for friends British steel.